Joey Barton Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Allegation

Ex-footballer Joey Barton has entered a not guilty plea in relation to an alleged assault that took place outside a golf club. The incident is said to have occurred on March 8 and involved 51-year-old Kevin Lynch, who reportedly sustained serious eye injuries. Barton, 43, appeared in court via videolink from HMP Liverpool, wearing a grey fleece and glasses, to enter his plea at Liverpool Crown Court. His co-defendant, Gary O'Grady, 50, did not enter a plea during the hearing. The defendants had allegedly been drinking with the victim at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club prior to the incident. A trial date has been set for September 1, with the case expected to last approximately seven days. Barton, a former midfielder for several prominent football clubs, including Manchester City and QPR, has been remanded in custody. He currently hosts a podcast called Common Sense With Joey Barton, which covers various topics including sports, society, and politics.